Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Passport Loss Liability: Negligence and Damages in LBC Express v. Ado
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on carrier liability for lost passport, damages rules, and proof requirements in LBC Express v. Ado.
Promissory Notes and Specific Denial: Upholding Loan Obligations in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on promissory notes, specific denial requirements, and the best evidence rule in loan recovery cases.
Valid Service of Court Decisions: Ensuring Due Process Through Proper Notification
Learn how valid service of court decisions protects due process rights, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notice requirements.
Substantial Compliance Prevails: Justice Over Strict Procedural Rules in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court rules substantial compliance with procedural requirements may excuse technical lapses, ensuring cases are decided on merits.
Res Judicata: The Bar Against Relitigating Claims in Philippine Courts
Understand the doctrine of res judicata in Philippine courts, its requirements, and practical implications for litigants and lawyers.
Reconstitution Denied: Insufficient Evidence Fails to Restore Lost Land Title
Philippine Supreme Court denies reconstitution of lost land title due to insufficient evidence, clarifying strict requirements under RA 26.
Perfecting Appeals in Labor Cases: The Strict Rule on Posting an Appeal Bond
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling that an employer's failure to post an appeal bond on time is fatal to an appeal, even if other requirements were met.
Strikes and Notice Requirements: Upholding Labor Law Compliance in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that unions must strictly comply with the 24-hour notice requirement for strike votes, or the strike becomes illegal.
Probationary Employment: Just Cause and Due Process in Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on terminating probationary employees—just cause and due process requirements explained.
Foreclosure Validity: Proper Notice and Publication in Extrajudicial Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies posting and publication requirements for valid extrajudicial foreclosure sales under Act No. 3135.
Due Process in Retrenchment: Balancing Employer Prerogative and Employee Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between just and authorized causes in dismissal, and the penalties for violating notice requirements.
Estate Claims and Heir Liability: Filing Requirements and Partition Validity
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified Rule 16 on motion to dismiss resolution, estate claims, and heir liability in Lu Ym v. Nabua.
Substantial Compliance in Land Registration Blueprint Suffices When Original Plan Is Available
Supreme Court clarifies that blueprint copies of survey plans may substantially comply with land registration requirements when the original is later submitted.
Retrenchment and Due Process: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Protection in Economic Downturns
The Supreme Court clarifies retrenchment rules under the Labor Code, including notice requirements and separation pay, in Cajucom v. TPI Philippines.
Certification of Non-Forum Shopping: Strict Compliance Required in Election Protests
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on strict compliance with certification of non-forum shopping requirements in election protest cases.
Substantial Compliance With Attestation Requirements in Will Probate
Philippine Supreme Court explains when defects in a will's attestation clause may still allow probate under the substantial compliance rule.
Lost Deeds, Lost Claims: Proving Real Property Donations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a lost deed of donation cannot be proven by testimony alone, and the formal requirements for valid real property donations.
Service by Publication in the Philippines: Strict Rules for Valid Summons
Learn the strict requirements for valid service of summons by publication in the Philippines, and why procedural lapses can void court judgments.
Tax Assessment Validity: Strict Requirements for Waivers of the Statute of Limitations
Philippine Journalists, Inc. v. CIR clarifies that waivers of the tax prescription period must strictly comply with BIR regulations to be valid.
Substantial Compliance with Procedural Rules: Certified Xerox Copies in Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on certified xerox copies as substantial compliance with Rule 65 requirements for petitions for certiorari.
Substantial Compliance Prevails When Technicalities Give Way to Justice in Appellate Procedure
SC rules substantial compliance with Rule 42 requirements suffices; cases should be decided on merits, not technicalities.
Certiorari Petitions: Substantial Compliance With Procedural Rules For Timely Review
SC rules substantial compliance with Rule 42 requirements may excuse dismissal of petitions for review, protecting the right to appeal.
Reconstitution of Titles: Substantial Compliance and Jurisdictional Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on what jurisdictional requirements apply in judicial reconstitution of lost titles under RA 26.
Good Faith Purchasers Prevail: Upholding the Integrity of Torrens Titles
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial reconstitution of lost titles clarifies jurisdictional requirements under Republic Act No. 26.